TRAVERSE CITY - It’s hard not to see the benefits of playing hockey in Michigan. Trevor Hamilton knows all about that.

The 18-year-old has spent his entire hockey career in the Mitten, and he’s earned a spot on Miami University’s team for next season.

“It’s been great just playing Michigan hockey, it’s one of the best hockey programs out there,” Hamilton said. “I’ve had a ton of good coaches along the way.”

Hamilton, a Grosse Pointe Farms native, played for the Honeybaked U16 squad from 2009-2011, which was coached by his dad. After that, the defenseman moved to the U.S. National Development Team, located in Ann Arbor, which he said has “always been his main goal.”

Now, he’s spent this past week in Traverse City, wearing the Winged Wheel at the team’s annual summer development camp. Hamilton was a camp invite.

(Photo by Nick Barnowski/MiHockey)

“It’s great,” he said. “To put that crest on, it’s great. I can’t explain it. I’ve had fun with the guys and all the coaches and staff are great.”

Despite camp being shortened by a couple of days this year, the players, including Hamilton, are still feeling the effects of the hard practices Red Wing coaches have them running.

“I’m feeling good but it’s tough here,” Hamilton said. “Most of the guys are getting exhausted toward the end of the week but they’re pushing through it.”

Hamilton said that two areas of his game need to improve the most, his strength and his skating. He’s been very receptive to the help Detroit coaches are offering.

“I’m looking to bulk up this summer and get better with my skating coach,” he said. “They’ve been teaching us a lot so I’m looking forward to keep working with them.”

This past season with the NDTP, the defenseman had four points in 23 games to go along with 51 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot, 186 pound Hamilton is awaiting his first season in Oxford, Ohio, with the team he committed to a couple of years ago.

“We have a good squad this year, so I’m hoping we can be a good contender,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the guys and all that so hopefully it’ll be a good year.”

Comments Closed

Comments are closed. You will not be able to post a comment in this post.